Beating Trich Community Group

You mean that there is a name for IT? Im not weird? Trichotillomania, that big, long word that is the bane of our world. With knowledge and support of others we CAN break free and live without this disorder interfering with our lives. Lets keep this uplifting and supportive and give each other the encouragement the other needs to make it to that next day.

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Phia's Pull-Free-A-Thon

Phia
Phia
I've been pulling the hair at the back of my head for 9 years now and it's time to stop. For years, I was in denial about it and didn't really think it was a big deal. I learnt how to hide it well and didn't talk to anyone about it. However, over the last couple of years, the pulling has become worse and I have two bald patches at the back of my head, which are getting harder to hide. I've read up about this condition and have tried a few things, but feel that the only way to stop is to make the decision myself and try to be strong and beat the urges.

After discovering this wonderful group two days ago, I've been pull free for two days. It's so inspiring to read about people's journeys battling Trich, and comforting to know that I'm not alone in this battle. There are so many fantastic tips, and stories that I think will really help me to be PF.

So here I go, I know it's not going to be quick or easy, but let's hope this is the beginning of the end.
mandapanda89
mandapanda89
Trich is such a cyclical disorder - even after long periods of success, it always seems to return. It's all about how well we can regain that control. But, it does sound like things are going well for you, and the hair piece looks great! I wouldn't have been able to tell it isn't real hair. I'll actually be in Sydney next week for vacation...I wish I had a bit longer to spend there to check out that hairdresser. I've never been to one that specializes in hair loss before, and it's impossible to find one where I live (in Taiwan.) It's hard enough just finding one here who speaks English.
Phia
Phia
Thanks Manda, I agree it seems to come back so easily. But yes, I need to regain that mental control. I hate going to the hairdressers and having to explain it, so this one was great as they know all about trich. That must be hard in Taiwan when they don't speak English. Well, I hope you have a lovely, relaxing time in Sydney anyway and go back home feeling refreshed.
Community LeaderMid
Mid
Hurrah for you, Phia! It often takes a "whammy" when you have success and then it's back to ... again.

Best wishes! You can do this!
Phia
Phia
I had my first session with a psychologist today as I decided it would be good to try and get some professional help. She specialises in CBT and mindfullness training, so I'm hoping it will help! Fingers crossed. Has anyone else had experience using CBT with trich?
confidenticandoit
confidenticandoit
Good on you! I haven't personally but I'm definitely open to it. I'm actually planning to do a MBSR program that's specifically been adapted to people with trich and slin picking etc. Google MBSR! :)
Phia
Phia
Hey confidentcandoit, that looks great! I've been finding mindfullness training really, really helpful too - would love to do a course on it. My habit reversal therapy is going really well too, have been hardly pulling at all since I've been getting help. I've got lots of things to do with my hands when I reach up to pull - blu tack on my desk, an elastic band around my wrist, a dangling necklace, a scarf - even putting my hands under my legs or crossing my arms. Just having something else to do with my hands when I get the urge is working. I still get urges and occasionally pull, but most of the time I can catch myself, so lots of my hair is growing back which is exciting!
confidenticandoit
confidenticandoit
That's great! I'm very glad you're finding things that work for you :)

I've never gotten professional help specifically for Trich before, so I'm looking forward to the program which should start in a couple of months.

I'm very interested in mindfulness. Good resources I've found are thich nhat hanh, tara brach, and vippasana meditation.
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